Acorn Elementary Fishing Derby

Approximately 250 students and 138 parents and grandparents attended Acorn School’s Fishing Derby Day on October 29, at Janssen Park.  Weather was absolutely wonderful.   Arkansas Game and Fish Commission had stocked the pond with about 750 hungry catfish and many of the elementary students caught their first fish.

“Many dads, moms, and granddads were there to help.  Mrs. Standridge’s high school students were a tremendous help. They put the hooks, lines, sinkers, and bobbers on the poles and were at the event all day to help the younger students,” said Janice Williams.

Prior to the event, the students completed many activities from the HOFNOD curriculum, which included learning the external fish anatomy, casting practice, aquatic stewardship and conservation, and aquatic habitat energy pyramids.  They have also scheduled a catfish dissection for upper elementary students as a follow-up.  Another fishing derby is being scheduled for the spring.

A $1000 grant from Wonders of Wildlife supporting the National Hunting and Fishing Day provided funding to purchase child-size rods and reels, as well as bait and tackle. Wonders of Wildlife stated, “We had 17 national sponsors helping us promote the importance of hunting, fishing, and shooting via social media, Internet, events, television and radio.  Our honorary chair, Craig Morgan, lives the outdoor lifestyle and is a perfect role model to help promote NHF Day. Yamaha’s support of the Live It! Grants was a huge success.  We have seen lots of press come through on NHF Day events across the nation and could not be more excited to have been able to help each of you with your events.”

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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